Tag: lust

When Strength Fails:

The Seduction, Humiliation, and Redemption of Samson

Brent Pollard

Samson’s story is both tragic and compelling. God predestined Samson to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Philistines, naming him a Nazarite before his conception. Despite his unimaginable strength, this judge succumbed to his desires, particularly his attraction to Philistine women. Samson was enticed, degraded, and finally felt a deep sense of reclaiming himself. The story of Samson’s descent and ultimate resilience is a powerful reminder that grace can lift us back up no matter how deep our struggles are.

Seduced by the Enemy (Judges 16.1-20)

Samson’s decline was not a sudden event but a gradual unraveling of his sense of purpose. Samson consistently broke his promises despite his dedication as a Nazirite, chosen for divine purpose. He became involved with three Philistine women: his wife from Timnah (Judges 14), a woman of ill repute from Gaza (Judges 16.1), and Delilah (Judges 16.4). It was with Delilah that he met his downfall. Despite her undeniable loyalty to the Philistines and her persistent efforts to unravel the mystery of his power, Samson eventually succumbed:

“So he told her all that was in his heart…” (Judges 16.17 NASB95)

In that moment of revealing his truth, Samson gave up his secret and the essence of his power. His assailants apprehended him, blinded him, and imprisoned him within that darkness. Samson learned that temptation rarely announces itself as destructive. Likewise, we gradually forfeit our strength and clarity when we flirt with sin. Samson lost his power because he gave his heart to the wrong person, a lesson that still resonates today and underscores the importance of discernment in our lives. However, the consequences of his misplaced trust would go far beyond losing his strength, plunging him into literal and spiritual darkness.

Humiliated by His Choices (Judges 16.21–25)

With his vision and power removed, Samson became a captive, grinding grain in a Philistine prison. However, his degradation reached new heights when the Philistines paraded him before the crowd at a festival, reveling in their mockery.

“Call for Samson, that he may amuse us.” (Judges 16.25 NASB95)

This summons wasn’t just to satisfy curiosity. The Hebrew term translated as “make sport” in the KJV conveys connotations of mockery, contempt, and possibly even sexual humiliation. This latter possibility is reflected in Potiphar’s wife’s use of this Hebrew word as she falsely accuses Joseph of attempted rape. She said Joseph was trying “to make sport of us” (Genesis 39.14 NASB). Given Samson’s infamous history with Philistine women, one can imagine their scornful laughter at his abasement, viewing it as appropriate retribution: the great warrior of Israel brought low, not by a clash of arms, but by the tender yet treacherous nature of love. In a tragic turn of events, Samson was reduced to a mere trophy, displayed to entertain a reveling crowd who joyfully worshipped their deity, Dagon.

Public transgressions frequently cause public shame. When reality reveals the consequences, what once thrilled us in solitude may become a source of scorn. Regardless of their disgrace, the Lord does not abandon repentant people. And it was only in the depths of his humiliation, chained between the pillars of the Philistine temple, that Samson realized this truth for himself.

Redeemed by Grace (Judges 16.26–30)

Blind, broken, and mocked—Samson finally cried out to God:

“O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me just this time…” (Judges 16.28 NASB95)

This prayer signified a watershed moment. In a moment of deep reflection, Samson summoned the courage to bow before the divine, shedding the burden of his former pride. In a moment of divine intervention, God answered Samson’s plea, and with a surge of newfound power, he toppled Dagon’s temple, taking more lives in his final act than he had throughout his entire life (Judges 16.30). This act of destruction was not a sign of Samson’s fall but a testament to his resilience. Despite his journey ending prematurely, it reached a pinnacle of resilience and spiritual strength. In Hebrews 11.32, Samson is among the revered figures honored for their unwavering faith.

Samson’s redemption journey powerfully reminds us that even broken people can still serve a purpose. He is not the God of flawless credentials but of contrite souls. When we return to Him, He can renew us even after stumbling.

Conclusion

Ultimately, Samson’s story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of succumbing to temptation and offers hope for redemption. His seduction and disgrace were undeniable, but his redemption was also evident. If you’ve felt you’ve stumbled through missteps, struggles, broken connections, or poor choices, know that your journey is far from over. There is a God who hears the cries of the weary and offers a hand of hope for redemption.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12.9 NASB95)

No “Regerts”

Carl Pollard

“It is better to suffer the pain of discipline than the pain of regret.” You remember that Snickers commercial of the guy getting a tattoo? He and his buddy are getting pumped up and yelling, the tattoo artist finishes the tattoo, and it says “no regerts.” 

The point of the commercial? Well, he regretted it. With regret comes an awful weight. What could’ve been, what you should’ve done, what you could have changed. 

Back in 2016 a buddy I went to school with told me about a new thing called bitcoin. He told me I could buy one for $318 dollars. 

I was hesitant because I had no idea what cryptocurrency was so I said thanks but no thanks. As a broke college student there were a million other things I could buy with 318 dollars. As of this week, 1 single bitcoin is worth almost $100,000. I regret not buying one for $318. In just 8 years I could’ve made $99,700. But I can still sleep like a baby at night. Yeah I wish I would’ve listened to my friend, but life goes on. In May, 2010, an early crypto enthusiast was hungry and broke and decided to trade 10,000 bitcoins for two papa John’s pizzas. At the time that was about 42 dollars, but today that’s worth $900,000,000. I bet he regrets buying two pizzas for almost a billion dollars. 

I regret missing out on opportunities like this, but there are other things I have said and done that I regret. Things worse than missing out on bitcoin. I’m sure you’ve found yourself in the same boat. Tossing and turning in bed, regretting how you handled a certain situation, or how you spoke to a loved one. Regret is an awful feeling. 

“It is better to suffer the pain of discipline than the pain of regret.” All we need is discipline, and we would never feel regret. But there’s a reason so many people struggle with regret: discipline is hard. Being disciplined takes mental energy, and we’ve got to be focused constantly. There’s a million temptations to avoid and habits that we have engrained into our very being. We are easily distracted, constantly wanting instant gratification. Self-discipline is hard because it requires long-term focus. So we know the answer to our problem, but implementing it is the struggle. 

Matthew 5:27-30

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.  If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.”

Jesus said these words in His sermon on the mount.This is a sermon on righteousness, a sermon of contrasts. Over and over Jesus says, “you have heard it said, but I say…” He speaks with authority, He speaks as the Son of God. Listen to every word because Jesus tells us exactly how to be approved of God. He contrasts the teachings of the day with His new teachings from God. 

Jesus tells us to Focus On The Heart. At the core of these four verses Jesus is telling us to examine our hearts. 

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” 

You want to guess what the pharisees at the time of Jesus were teaching? The exact opposite. They taught that you could look and fantasize all you wanted as long as you didn’t touch. Their law made provision for lust! Jesus instead call us to a higher level of righteousness. “You have heard it said, but I say…focus on the heart.” Jesus shifts the focus from external actions to internal desires. True morality isn’t just about avoiding sinful behavior, it is cultivating a heart that aligns with God’s will. The pain of discipline is the transforming of the heart, changing from within so that our behavior is disciplined. 

In doing so we avoid the pain of regret. In scripture, the heart is the source from which action flows. It represents our innermost thoughts, intentions, and emotions. If you can change the heart, the body will change. If you win the internal battle, the external battle will be won. If you can win the battle against lust, you will never commit adultery. This is how God expects us to live in following His will. 

Prioritize the spiritual state of your heart, and you will develop discipline in every aspect of life.

Outcasts In A Field

Carl Pollard

According to Scripture, the first people to hear the good news of Jesus’ birth were shepherds who were watching their flocks in the fields near Bethlehem. You ever wonder why God told them first? 

Luke 2:10-11 says, “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” 

I wish we could have seen their response. 

Shepherds in first-century Middle Eastern culture had a reputation for being thieves and lowlifes. Jews considered shepherds to be ceremonially unclean. Perhaps these shepherds felt unworthy. The way they made a living was considered unclean. 

Maybe they felt inadequate? According to Jewish culture they could not testify in court. No one trusted shepherds. People would not buy property from them because it was most likely stolen. Some saw them on the same level as tax collectors and prostitutes. The religious leaders told others not to go near them. 

Most of all, these shepherds were not loved by the masses. The temple was strict on cleanliness, they could not enter. 

Culturally, no father wanted their daughter to marry a shepherd. And yet we read that God revealed the birth of His Son to THEM. 

The outcast, the unloved, the unworthy, the inadequate. Romans 3:22 says, “We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.” 

You cannot earn God’s acceptance. But we are all sinners. If you accuse someone and say, “you have sinned against God” you will get push back from many people. They believe they are morally good and don’t appreciate being accused of sin. I watched a video of a preacher named Ray Comfort walk around in public and ask people certain questions. He would ask, “do you consider yourself a good person? Have you ever told a lie? Have you ever stolen anything? Have you ever lusted before?” If you’re reading this article ask yourself those same questions. Be honest, Have you ever told a lie? Have you ever stolen anything? You ever lusted after someone? If you tell a lie, what does that make you? A liar. If you steal something, what does that make you? A thief. If you’ve ever lusted after another, Jesus says you have committed adultery in your heart (Matt. 5:27-28). If you’ve ever hated someone that is considered the same as murder (1 John 3:15). 

So that means you are a lying, thieving, adulterous, murderous person. How does that make you feel? 

If you don’t see yourself as a sinner, you won’t see your need for a Savior. And we are made right with God, not by our own works, but by faith in Christ. That is why God told the good news to outcasts in a field and not to the royalty in the city, so that all would know that God wants you to be a part of His family regardless of who you are. 

But coming to Christ takes acknowledging the sin in your life. These shepherds were reminded daily that they were outcasts and sinners. I believe we sometimes fool ourselves into thinking we are better than them. Recognize your sin so that you’ll see the need for a Savior.

Beyond The Fruit

Recognizing The “Big Three” Temptations In The Bible And Today

Brent Pollard

The number three is significant in many areas, reflecting its longstanding presence in human consciousness and the natural world. Often, it represents balance, harmony, and the union of opposites, making it a powerful symbol in spiritual practices. The “rule of threes” is a common phenomenon, likely due to confirmation bias, where people tend to notice and remember patterns more quickly, leading them to attribute significance to events that occur in threes.

The number three holds significant importance in religious contexts, especially in Christianity. In 1 John 2.16, John identifies three fundamental categories of temptation leading to sin: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. These categories offer insight into the underlying causes of human moral struggles, with most sins attributable to one or a combination of these three factors.

This pattern of temptation is evident in several biblical narratives:

The Beguiling of Eve (Genesis 3.1–6):

  1. Lust of the flesh: The fruit was “good for food.”
  2. Lust of the eyes: It was “a delight to the eyes.”
  3. Pride of life: It was “desirable to make one wise.”

The Choice of Lot (Genesis 13.10–13)

  1. Lust of the flesh: Fertile plains to support abundant livestock.
  2. Lust of the eyes: The appealing appearance of the land.
  3. Pride of life: Desire for social and economic advancement near Sodom.

The Temptation of Jesus (Luke 4.1–13)

  1. Lust of the flesh: Satan tempted Jesus to turn stones into bread.
  2. Lust of the eyes: Satan offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world.
  3. Pride of life: Satan challenged Jesus to prove His divinity by jumping from the temple.

These examples show how the “big three” temptations shaped human decision-making and moral choices throughout biblical history. Recognizing these patterns allows us to understand better temptation and how it affects human behavior.

In today’s world, Christians face similar temptations in various forms. The lust of the flesh manifests itself in overconsumption, addiction, and sexual immorality (Galatians 5.16–17). The lust of the eyes manifests itself in materialism, covetousness, and the constant pursuit of the next best thing (1 John 2.15–17). The relentless pursuit of status, power, and self-importance gives rise to life’s pride (James 4.6). However, just as Jesus resisted temptation by referring to Scripture (Luke 4.4, 8, 12), modern believers are encouraged to arm themselves with God’s Word (Ephesians 6.17). They are encouraged to “flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace” (2 Timothy 2.22), remembering that God has provided a way out of every temptation (1 Corinthians 10.13). By recognizing these patterns of temptation and actively seeking God’s guidance, Christians can navigate the complexities of modern life while remaining spiritually intact.

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Guarding Our Gaze

Brent Pollard

“I made a covenant with my eyes not to look with lust at a young woman.” (Job 31:1 NLT)

Job declares in Job 31:1 that he made a solemn promise, akin to a covenant, not to look lustfully upon a woman. This action shows his dedication to moral purity. This declaration emphasizes the power of the eyes as conduits for sin, particularly lustful sin, to enter the heart and mind. By making this covenant, Job expresses his determination to maintain a righteous and honorable character. He recognizes the potential harm lustful thoughts can cause and takes preventative measures to avoid it. 

In many ways, our eyes are portals to our souls. Our souls can be sensitive to the images and scenes we expose them to, just as blue eyes are more sensitive to the sun’s bright rays due to their reduced melanin. I can attest to this because I have blue eyes and must wear sunglasses even when it’s cloudy.

In the same way that harmful UV rays can have long-term effects on sensitive eyes, certain visual stimuli, most notably pornography, can harm our minds and spirits if consumed excessively. The harm may not be immediately apparent, but just as UV exposure can cause eye problems, exposure to harmful visual content can affect our psyche and moral compass over time.

Consuming pornography can lead to negative consequences, including addiction, distorted perceptions of relationships, and desensitization to healthy sexual experiences. Awareness of our visual consumption and prioritizing content promoting positive mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being is critical.

Take, for example, Japan’s complex socio-cultural landscape. The country’s declining birth rates have been a source of concern, and many factors contribute to this trend, including economic challenges and shifting societal values. In this context, there has been a noticeable increase in the consumption of online pornography. While it is an oversimplification to blame declining birth rates solely on pornography, there is growing awareness of the mental and emotional consequences of excessive consumption. (See https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230808/p2a/00m/0na/025000c)

Job recognized the close relationship between sight and desire. He hoped to avoid lustful thoughts and desires by not allowing himself to gaze wantonly at a woman. This statement by Job reflects a more spiritual understanding of sin, which holds that even considering sin is wrong. His sentiments are consistent with Jesus’ teachings, who later clarified that lustful thinking is equivalent to adultery (see Matthew 5.27–28).

It is more important than ever to remember this covenant in today’s age of instant access to a plethora of images, including explicit content. We should set protective boundaries for our viewing habits, guarding our hearts and minds against content that can distort our understanding of love, commitment, and respect, just as one might wear sunglasses to protect sensitive eyes from damaging sunlight.

Job 31:1 emphasizes the importance of a virtuous inner life by stressing the need to guard our hearts and minds. It encourages people to proactively filter out negative influences and develop a genuine sense of integrity and righteousness. This verse serves as a reminder that true righteousness extends beyond outward appearances, necessitating constant scrutiny of our thoughts and intentions.

You Should Drink From Your Own Well

Friday’s Column: Brent’s Bent

Brent Pollard

Proverbs 5 provides several insights. First and foremost, be prudent. In the first 14 verses, Solomon warns against satisfying base desires. The rest of the chapter is about lustful people and the trouble they get themselves into. Solomon warns young men to resist carnal desires as if they were his sons. Yes, it is about the seventh commandment, which is not to commit adultery. Adulterous women (referred to as “strange women” in the King James Version) may also facilitate spiritual infidelity to God. God portrays the broken covenant in the Old Testament as spiritual adultery. As a result, the adulteress can be a real woman or any other sin provocateur. Do you recall who misled Solomon? His spouses (1 Kings 11.4). 

 Men are especially vulnerable to women’s wiles. I believe Satan tempted Eve because he knew he could get Adam to sin through her rather than through a direct approach. But take note of Satan’s promise of reward in words as smooth as oil. Honey drips from the adulterer’s lips as well. (The KJV makes use of honeycomb.) Keil and Delitzsch define it as “virgin honey” from intact comb cells. This translation, I believe, should not be overlooked. A prostitute or a repeat adulteress is not virginal in the literal sense, but she is a new experience for the young man. And new experiences motivate men who seek the flesh. 

Of course, Satan never fulfills his promises. Instead, the seductress’ honey tastes like wormwood. Wormwood is a bitter shrub used to produce absinthe, a deworming medicine. Wormwood is used apocalyptically by John in Revelation to describe the sorrow that befalls the earth’s rivers and fountains. The seduction eventually kills. That is the price of indulgence. “Sin will take you further than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay,” Ravi Zacharias says. We want to stay away from Hell’s Highway. Unlawful and promiscuous sex causes social, financial, moral, and physical devastation. This behavior harms society, family, the body, the church, and God. 

Solomon discusses the difficulties a young man’s lust can cause in verse ten. Strangers will fill themselves with their wealth, according to the KJV. In contrast to the NASB1995’s “strength,” this is worth considering. Consider a few scenarios in which sexual immorality can lead to financial ruin. First, there is the risk of blackmail from the person with whom you had an immoral relationship or a third party who discovered the tryst. What about having to make amends to the affected parties? For example, an adulterer in ancient Greece could face a hefty fine. (While this was preferable to execution or public humiliation, it was still expensive.) 

 However, sexual immorality causes physical harm (5.11). It is a sin that has resulted in terrible diseases both then and now. Many sexually transmitted diseases were fatal before the discovery of penicillin. Syphilis was particularly dreadful. In addition to blindness in infants and insanity in adults, it may occasionally attack a specific part of the body, such as the spine. Doctors call the latter condition tabes dorsalis. It effectively renders one unable to walk and move around without a wheelchair. The prevalence of tabes dorsalis is increasing among HIV-positive people.1

The issue with those young men who fall into this trap is not a lack of teachers but rather a dislike for instruction and correction. As a result, when their advisers warn them of the folly, the prodigal chooses to disregard their advice. Unfortunately, this vice appears to open the door to many other sins one desires to commit. Do you remember David, Solomon’s father? What did he do due to his adultery? (2 Samuel 11.1ff) When Bathsheba became pregnant, David attempted to conceal his sin by bringing her husband home from the war. He believed that Uriah the Hittite would undoubtedly “know” his wife while on leave. However, Uriah did not. As a result, David killed him by withdrawing his soldiers from Uriah, leaving him to fight alone on the battlefield. 

 God gives us a proper way to satisfy our sexual desires. Marriage. Solomon praises and encourages young men to pursue conjugal love. Solomon discusses a fulfilling marriage in the Song of Solomon-like language. These verses are in direct contrast to the first. Solomon describes marital love as “exhilarating.” (Contrast this verse with those at the start of the chapter, where we noted that young men seek experiences for the thrill of novelty.) Indeed, God created sexuality for us to enjoy with our spouses, but He forbids sexual relations outside of the union of a man and a woman in holy matrimony. It is worth noting that God forbids adultery in both the Old and New Testaments. However, we also require consistency in this regard. Some may be quick to point out the illicit nature of a homosexual relationship and condemn it as sexual immorality. Still, they ignore heterosexuals who have marital relations outside of wedlock. God’s word forbids either type of relationship. 

 Solomon reminds his sons that God is keeping an eye on them. Ultimately, the issue is less about sex and more about a person’s love for God. We read about Joseph, the young man approached by Potiphar’s wife. She attempted to seduce Joseph. But Joseph maintained his integrity. As he turned down Potiphar’s wife’s advances, Joseph referred to Potiphar’s trust in him but said his decision was ultimately a matter of faith. “There is no one greater in this house than I, and he (Potiphar) has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great evil and sin against God? (Genesis 39.9 NASB1995) 

So, let the young man drink from his cisterns and wells, not the polluted waters of the streets. 

Sources Cited 

1 “Tabes Dorsalis.” Brain&Life, American Academy of Neurology, www.brainandlife.org/disorders-a-z/disorders/tabes-dorsalis. 

Why Do We Sin?

Thursday’s Column: Captain’s Blog

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Carl Pollard

 
Have you ever wondered why someone would take the life of another human? Or destroy another man’s property? Or kidnap a child? Or abuse their spouse? I can never wrap my head around why someone would do something so sinful. I understand why someone would cheat, lie, or gossip. I can see why someone would do something like this because it’s a temptation that I understand. But the bottom line is that a sin is a sin.
 
Cheating on a test will separate you from God just as quickly as murder. Gossip will ruin a relationship with God just as quickly as robbing a gas station. Granted there are earthly consequences that make one sin seem more serious than another, but God sees all sin  as just that, an action that goes against His Will.
 
Why do people sin? What is it about mankind that makes us want to sin? Why does the murderer take a life? Why does the liar refuse to speak the truth? There are a couple of instances I can look back on and think, “Why didn’t I just do the right thing?” When we sin we do it because we believe it to be the easier choice. If we lie we don’t have to face the hard truth. If we cheat we don’t have to put in the work of being honest. If we lust we don’t have to practice self control. Why do people sin? In most instances we sin because it’s easy, because it’s what we want to do.
 
In Romans 3:3-8, Paul is refuting the arguments of men that are claiming that we should sin more. These men reasoned that grace comes because of sin, more sin requires more grace, grace is a good thing, and, therefore, we should sin more to receive more grace. Paul responds to this claim with 3 arguments:
  1. On what basis does God inflict wrath (5)?
  2. Is He unjust for judging the world (6)?
  3. Sinners should be congratulated for being the object of God’s Grace (7).
If more sin was a good thing, then why not just preach “do more evil” so that “good may come”?
 
Since we can’t argue that more sin equals more grace, why do people continue to sin? The answer is simple. Romans 3:18 says, “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” The underlying reason that people sin stems from a lack of fear in God. We live in a fearless world, and it shows. Fearing God is understanding Who He is and what He can do. Those who fear God try to avoid the things that make God angry. If we lose our fear of the Almighty we open the door to a sinful lifestyle.
 
The world says being fearless is a good thing, but we must never lose our fear of God.

The Window To The Soul

Thursday’s Column: Carlnormous Comments

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Carl Pollard

The eyes are the window to the soul…sounds like something straight out of a Shakespeare sonnet. While this is a phrase that was around even before the time of Christ, many believe that it is from Matthew 6:22-23.

This saying is often a misapplication of what Jesus said while preaching the Sermon on the Mount. To understand it better we need to understand the purpose of Matthew chapters 5-7. Jesus is speaking about righteousness. I’m fact, this section in chapter 6 is one of the five areas of righteousness that Jesus talks about by way of practical application. In verses 19-24, Jesus is talking about money. Using exegetical principles we can better understand Matthew 6:22-23.

Verses 19-21 say, “”Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”” Now notice verse 24, “”No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” If verses 19-21 is talking about money, and vs. 24 is talking about money, what is he talking about in verses 22-23?

Money! He says, “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.” Jesus is talking about our view of money. The eye is the lamp of the body. Basically the way we view money effects our way of living. If we have a healthy view of money, our priorities will be in line with Gods. If we have an unhealthy eye, and view money as more important, our whole body will be full of darkness because we have chosen money over God.

The problem with the saying “the eye is the window to the soul” is that it has often offered people permission to judge the state of a person’s soul. It gives permission to judge others solely because of what they perceived a person was looking at or thinking. Biblically, we can’t know the state of a person’s soul simply by looking at their eyes. Only God has the ability to see the intentions of the heart. As humans we don’t have the power to condemn someone, only God has this power.

That being said, it is our job to be attentive to people. Our duty to one another in the church is to look out for the souls of everyone. Our view of money can either corrupt our priorities, or help us grow the kingdom.

When the Tempter Has You Out On A Limb

Friday’s Column: Supplemental Strength

brent 2020

Brent Pollard

 

You can learn much by observing nature. Not only can one know God by looking at nature (Romans 1.18-20), he can learn specific lessons on various topics by looking at specific aspects of God’s creation (e.g. ants teach industry, Proverbs 6.6-8). I was watching a humorous scene outside my office window recently and was reminded of this.

 Our household, despite being full of “dog-people,” has cats for “pets.” Let’s just say that we feed the cats and provide them outdoor shelter for keeping mice, moles, and snakes away from the house. In many respects, they’re feral but become domesticated long enough to eat the kibble we put out. And, if they feel like initiating it, contact resembling petting may occur. If there is one thing I don’t like about cats, though, it is their murderous nature. Even though well-fed, cats will kill for sport. 1

 This latter observation creates a conflict for someone who has always enjoyed feeding and watching birds as well. We had to give up putting out birdseed when the cats became a part of our household. At first, the birds avoided our house. Yet, kittens learn by watching adult cats. If adult cats don’t teach kittens how to hunt, they aren’t as successful at it. As the senior hunters have passed from disease and predation or gone fully feral, being chased off by other cats, the birds have begun coming back without our encouragement. Frankly, I think a few of those “birdbrains” must be rather smart.

 One such smarty was teasing one of our cats the other day. He or she served as a good example of the tempter. As Angelo, a cat with a pattern of “angel’s wings” on his back, was slowly climbing up a budding, dogwood tree, the bird did not fly away. Instead, the avian adversary just side-stepped further to the right out on to thinner branches. The higher Angelo climbed, the thinner the branch on which the bird rested became. It seemed as if the bird knew that if Angelo tried to pounce on him or her, he would go crashing to the ground while he or she would just fly away. Angelo really thought about his situation. It took him several minutes, but he finally understood that despite his prowess, continuing towards his coveted prize would lead to his harm. Thus, to his chagrin, he slowly made his way back down the tree to the safety of the ground below.

 Herein is the lesson from nature. The tempter will lure you out from “relative safety” in order to bring your desire close, only to ensure when you pounce on it, you will end up falling flat on your face (consider Romans 6.23). We must ensure we are aware of where we are (Hebrews 2.1-4). The branches upon which we make our way may grow thin quickly, depriving us of a solid foundation, and causing us to fall.

 Of a truth, no one ever sets out to fall, he just fails to appreciate the gravity of the situation. Keep your eyes on what lies beneath your feet (1 Corinthians 10.12).

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1 Traywick, Catherine. “Killer Kitties: Study Proves They’re Not as Innocent As They Look.” Time, Time, 9 Aug. 2012, newsfeed.time.com/2012/08/09/killer-kitties-study-proves-theyre-not-as-innocent-as-they-look/.

MODESTY AND THE MEDIA SEXUALIZATION OF OUR GIRLS

Monday’s Column: Neal At The Cross

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Neal Pollard

In 2008, M. Gigi Durham wrote a blunt book entitled: The Lolita Effect: the Media Sexualization Of Young Girls And What We Can Do About It. Durham is not at all writing from a Christian worldview, being a militant, secular feminist instead. In the book, she writes about several myths created by the media and the culture.

  • The “if you’ve got it, flaunt it” myth: Fashion magazines and media urge girls to dress in a way that’s “hot” and as such sets up the danger girls will attract harmful sexual attention.
  • The “anatomy of a sex goddess” myth: The runway model or the Barbie doll is projected as the ideal body, but both are unnatural.  They are genetic anomalies.
  • The “pretty babies” myth: “Ideal sexiness is about being young—very young it seems.”
  • The “what boys like” myth: “The ideal spectator is said to be male and the image of the woman is designed to flatter him.”

Durham is definitely on to something, even if it serves her own and different agenda. She is not alone in the secular world, worrying about the unhealthy consequences of the sexualization of our girls, even at the youngest of ages (Read more here).

Christian families, who believe and follow the Bible, already had these warnings in place. Consistently, God calls women (and girls) who profess godliness to reflect that by how they project themselves (cf. 1 Tim. 2:9-10; 1 Pet. 3:3-4).  Many preachers and Bible class teachers through the years have taken great pains to try and define and describe modesty, but what we have observed above would have been indisputably immodest in most people’s eyes in the world just a generation or so ago.

Too many parents, including Christian parents, have been swayed by the world’s fashion standards.  Even girls being raised in a Christian home have at times been encouraged and allowed to dress in ways that can easily produce lust. Jesus says that those who lust after a woman are committing adultery with her in their hearts (Mat. 5:28).  Men, young and old, have a responsibility to combat lust in their hearts, but Christian love would seem to dictate that women, young and old, would make that as easy as possible for them.

Fashions that are marketed as hot, sexy and daring, that reveal the body in a sexual way, are immodest!  The world, even without the Word, sees and understands that. We dare not rationalize it!  The world sexualizes everything from Cheetos to plant food and everything in between.  God commands purity of His people, but His Word must inform our standard of purity rather than what we think is pure.  Proverbs 30:11-13 says, “There is a kind of man who curses his father and does not bless his mother.  There is a kind who is pure in his own eyes, yet is not washed from his filthiness. There is a kind—oh how lofty are his eyes! And his eyelids are raised in arrogance.”

It’s important for us to ask, “What kind am I?”  Fashion choices and body obsession that say “if you’ve got it flaunt it” must be honestly examined and carefully avoided. God bless our homes which thoughtfully consider and decide with hearts set to honor Him.

What Are You Consuming?

Neal Pollard

A 17-year-old girl had a stomach ache so bad that she had to go to the hospital. She had lost her appetite, she could barely walk, and doctors for three years had simply given her pain medicine for her inexplicable abdominal issues. The girl’s family had paid over $7000 in medical tests to determine the root cause. The emergency visit, with two CT scans, finally revealed that the massive “tumor” inside her was actually hair—which had formed into a massive hairball. It was her own hair, which she had been compulsively eating for years. The next doctor visit will be for counseling to see if she suffers from trichotillomania (compulsively pulling out one’s own hair) and trichophagia (eating it) (via opposingviews.com).

Apparently, no one ever saw her doing this. It took time for the problem to grow and develop. Yet, there were symptoms that steadily worsened and became more apparent. It was a problem that required help to solve. It is a problem that will require continued efforts to overcome.

This young lady graphically illustrates a pervasive spiritual problem.  Solomon wrote, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it springs the issues of life” (Prov. 4:23). Jesus illustrates this principle speaking of normal, digestible food (not hair) as not defiling a person but rather that which comes from within a person defiling that one. He says that such things as evil thoughts, sexual sins, sinful attitudes, and sins of the tongue “proceed from within and defile the man” (Mark 7:23).

No one may see us engage in it. It may take time for the symptoms to show up in our lives, but they will eventually show up in such things as our attitudes, speech, dress, and conduct. It will not go away by itself without efforts on our part to get rid of it and to stay free from it. Whether we perceive the pain of the problem or not, it is doing damage to us and we must take steps to remove it from our lives.

What are you consuming? Is it consuming you? Get help. Get rid of it. Get over it. The Great Physician stands ready to help, if you will go to Him!

pierre_auguste_renoir_-_portrait_de_julie_manet

PURER YET AND PURER

Neal Pollard

While this song is not one of our “toe tappers,” it is meant to be reflective. What a challenge it presents to us, too! Johann Wolfgang Goethe wrote the poem during Napoleon’s heyday and Anne R. Bennett translated the lyrics a full decade before the Civil War, but the words are perhaps more timely today than they were in her place and time. While the song is about more than just holiness and purity, the idea is about aspiring to greater, better service to God. Goethe’s original poem had four verses, talking alternately about finding duty dearer, calmness in pain, peace and confidence in God, greater nearness to God, running the Christian race swifter, and the like. All of these endeavors are tied together, but I want to focus on that first phrase: “Purer yet and purer, I would be in mind.”

Do you feel like you are doing pretty well at purity of thought and heart? May I encourage you to take Goethe’s challenge to heart and make his prayer your prayer? Do you ever have feelings, however “small” or infrequent, for someone other than your mate? Do you ever look at things and people in web sites, advertisements, magazines, commercials, or an immodestly or provocatively dressed person of the opposite sex without looking away or in a way that produces lust or inappropriate thought? Do you ever find yourself harshly judging motives or drawing conclusions in your mind about people without sufficient knowledge of the person’s heart or situation? Do you ever envy another’s situation, their job, popularity, wealth, or home or marriage situation? Do you ever harbor a grudge toward someone, feeding those unhealthy feelings?

Obviously, that is just a starter list designed to create a host of similar questions. Purity of heart and mind is a daily challenge. Just because you defeated those purity foes yesterday does not give you respite from today’s battles. In fact, we know that since these challenges often arise when we least expect it, so we have got to keep the battle implements close at hand. Will you take the challenge of Goethe’s writing? Will you have as your goal absolute purity of heart? Being pure in heart will not inherently bring wealth, health, or fame, but it pays off in the highest and best way. Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matt. 5:8).

The Vicious Cycle Of Pornography

Neal Pollard

Dr. Les Parrott III, in the book Helping the Struggling Adolescent, discusses the four-step cycle of pornography addiction. It is (1) preoccupation (with thoughts and a search for sexual material), (2) ritualization (the specific, immoral routine), (3) compulsive sexual behavior (the culminating act), and (4) despair (utter hopelessness or powerless about one’s behavior).  It is not just adolescents, but also teenagers, young adults, and the middle-aged who are caught in this vicious cycle.

Sin is described as a powerful, but deadly, attraction (Js. 1:13-15). It is described as an entanglement that can overcome one (2 Pet. 2:20).  Sin is destructive, though it promises life and pleasure (cf. Ecc. 9:18; 2 Pt. 2:19).  Pornography is one of the devil’s sharpest tools, slashing and cutting hearts, lives, marriages, families, and other relationships.  It destroys trust, can actually hurt natural, healthy desires, desensitizes the user, and alters how the user views other people.  Many experts say it leads some to act out on desires kindled by feeding the addiction.

The thing about Parrott’s observation is that the hunger so deeply felt by one addicted to pornography is ultimately followed by the acidic reflux of remorse.  However, the pain of remorse is forgotten the next time the hunger pangs are felt.  Each gluttonous indulgence in dark desires risks internal and external trouble like that already mentioned.

Like any other addiction, to food, tobacco, alcohol, drugs, etc., success comes in breaking the cycle.  That means changing habits, retraining thinking, removing temptation, and clinging more closely to one’s relationship with God.  He will help those who humbly and honestly come to Him for help.  Anyone who has struggled with an addiction knows that the low that follows quenching it is lower than the euphoria that precedes it or occurs during it.  Sin simply cannot fulfill.  It can deceive, but it hollows out and leaves a wake of harm and destruction.  True satisfaction is built only by channeling our hunger and thirst for that which is righteous (Mat. 5:6).  If you are struggling with this (or any) addiction, break the cycle!

The Difference Between Love And Lust

Neal Pollard

Some years ago, Elvis Huffard discussed some fundamental differences between love and lust. In chart form, he drew them out for consideration. Here they are:

Love                                                                Lust                                                              

Flows both ways                                         Flows toward self

Is learned                                                      Known naturally

Requires attention                                    Takes little effort

An art, not feelings-based                      Act of will, you feel like it

Interested in others’ reputation          Has no such concern

“Greatest…” (1 Cor. 13:13)                     Part of sinful man to be put off (Eph. 4:22)

The world and worldly thinking are continually confused between these two entities. One has the potential to destroy lives, condemn souls, and ruin futures. The other has the ability to transform the object of it, to encourage, and to improve. One has the chafing strings of guilt, shame, fear, and corruption attached. The other is a component part of the fruit of the Spirit, against which “there is no law” (Gal. 5:23b). One is synonymous with spiritual dirtiness, darkness, and deceit. The other is akin to spiritual purity, pleasure, and peace. One caused embarrassment and repercussion for Amnon, Tamar, David, Bathsheba, the men of Sodom, Lot’s family, Noah’s neighbors, the Corinthian man and his father’s wife. The other had its highest expression at a hill called Calvary. One is the path of least resistance, but ends at Destruction Drive. The other road is often narrow, uphill, and bumpy, but the payoff is Paradise Place. One teaches self-absorption, but the other is imminently selfless though self is often rewarded as a byproduct rather than the intention of its execution. The one is base and leads one lower and lower. The other is the polar opposite of this.

So, why do the majority choose lust over love? It’s easier. It gratifies immediate, impulsive desires. It’s enticing in prospect. That it is also destructive to homes and families, churches, and societies is often obscured by those short-term attributes. It requires continued effort and conscious determination to “do” love rather than “feel” lust. The pay off is not flashy or dramatic. It is steady and subtle. Its effects are best seen in the rearview mirror after a long journey, but it is a rare and beautiful view. It is up on the mountain top in the direction of heaven rather than low and frightful in the valley of despair and regret. Choose love over lust, in view of the warning: “Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience” (Col. 3:5-6). Better still, choose love over lust because of the warming: “For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God” (Eph. 3:14-19).